Volume 1, Chapter 12
Bedtime is detained by the arrival of a youngster named Pedro with news from the village. Grisóstomo, a student turned shepherd, has died of a broken heart because of his unrequited love for Marcela. His friend, Ambrosio, carrying out Grisóstomo's funeral wishes to the letter. It is to be a big to-do and everyone is making plans to go.
Don Quijote asks Pedro for more details about Grisóstomo and Marcela.
Pedro tells him. Marcela grew up very sheltered and was kept out of the public's eye due to her great beauty. She had many suitors from near and far but would never consent to marry any of them. Suddenly, she decides to spend her time as a shepherdess caring for her own flocks and now everyone can see her. Grisóstomo was one of many men who began to shepherd so they could be near her and try to win her heart. She is courteous and kind but honest (Pedro describes her as scornful) when anyone approaches her concerning love and marriage. Her aspiring lovers eventually consider her cruel and ungrateful, yet still suffer for want of her.
Topic Tracking: Idealized Woman 7
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